Archive for November, 2010

This past Friday evening, Dupont Circle in Washington D.C. had the honor of hosting Moscow’s own Evgenia Luzhina-Salazar. The Russian native displayed her set and costume design talents, with great aplomb.The event was hosted by the International Club of DC at the Luxurious Pasha lounge, at the heart of Dupont circle. The High fashion soiree was the scene of International sounds and light drinks served before the drama unfolded. The models made their entrance with bold costumes that displayed Evgenia’s talent for brilliant colours and strong geometric proportions with a hint

of the rich fabric of Russian culture and sensibilities. It was a great night of fashion, fun and networking and we hope to follow this Evgenias’ penchant for theatrical creations in the near future.

Yesterday night Pakistani Embassy was flooded… with people. Everybody came to celebrate the launch of Fashion for Pakistan Flood Relief, a non-profit organization established to raise funds for the floods victims and to increase the awareness among Americans of this tragedy.

Ambassador of Pakistan Husain Haqqani and his wife Farahnaz Ispahani warmly greeted all the guests, gently reminding about the importance of the cause they all gathered together for. Fashion is wonderful but money has to be raised to surmount the tragedy. Although the most of the water has receded, complete devastation, disease and hunger remain. There is limited access to clean water… and food shortages. Standing water, submerged land and dead livestock have led to numerous cases, particularly in children, of gastroenteritis, diarrhea, skin infections, cholera, typhoid, malaria and hepatitis.

The fashion designer featured that evening, Deepak Perwani, asked the media to send a word out that Pakistan is not “only bombs”, which is only small, negative part of the whole culture, it is many positive things, including fashion. Fashion defines whether or not country is in stable economic situation, but it also shows people’s hope for brighter future, despite of current tragical situation. He believes that his country will manage to overcome these hardest obstacles and become even stronger and happier nation. His clothes made the audience go “awe” numerous times, and cameras would not stop clicking.

On Sunday, November 14, in beautiful Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Cinderella Foundation presented its signature fundraiser, “Fashion with a purpose”. Hosted by top billboard jazz pianist and NAACP Image Award Nominee Marcus Johnson; CNN Legal Correspondence Sunny Hostin and Wisdom Martin from FOX5 DC, this event included a captivating performance by the Ailey Fordham BFA Dancers, a private VIP jazz lounge reception with saxophonist Brian Lenair, a live and silent auction, a personal fashion consultation and an onsite shopping suite.

The Cinderella Foundation Glass Slipper Award is presented to outstanding women for their astounding accomplishments, whose pioneering spirit and unprecedented strides in business have paved the way to success for many others. This year’s recipient of Glass Slipper Award was Amsale Aberra, the leader in bridal couture. Award was presented by founder of Cinderella Foundation Diane Stevens, and Lisa Crary.

It is Holidays season and time to cuddle up in warm coats! Weather isn’t joking. Last Saturday Paul Wharton was rolling a mini fashion show at Macy’s in Pentagon City Mall. You can’t find a better host for a fashion event – Paul will make you laugh and will laugh himself, while describing stylish trendy pieces, giving away gift cards and being a personal styling guru. Yes, after the show you might be one of those lucky ones to shop with him and get a makeover! Where will he be coming next?

What a great way to finish your working week – helping kids make their dream come true. NZ Embassy hosted a fundraising dinner to help students of DC Hyde school go to New Zealand to play and study rugby with some of the top coaches and athletes in the world. Two NZ rugby stars – Michael Jones and Frano Botica – attended this event to help raising money. Signed jerseys, balls, New Zealand wine and other goodies were presented at the auction and people were very excited to participate and support. Even Michael’s new baby, being wide awake due to time difference, seemed to be part of the team. Over $13,000 was collected for that wonderful cause.

Kevin Spacey visited DC on Wednesday to attend premiere screening of “Casino Jack” . The director of the movie, George Hickenlooper, who was supposed to come too, unexpectedly died on October, 29, at the age of 47. “My biggest fear, – Spacey quoted Hickenlooper, – is that my death will be boring”. “Well I think that after watching the movie you can tell that George was anything BUT boring”, – Spacey remarked.

Arts For Autism Gala was an evening to celebrate kids, adolescents and adults with autism, to recognize their talents and achievements. Proceeds raised at that event will benefit families in Northern Virginia with mini-grants offered through Autism Society of Northern Virginia (ASNV). As you may know, some things that seem very easy to do for non-autistic people, might be very challenging and nerve-racking for autistic ones, especially kids, and that’s why Autism Society runway show was such a tremendous success and was always praised with loud and warm applauds. There was also adult runway show, where over 50 champion fundraisers demonstrated designer clothes, and at the end of the night two best ones (male and female) were awarded with special prizes.

The jewel of the night was 9 year old Matthew Cahill, who performed, for his very first time onstage, “Don’t stop believing” song. Finally, it seemed like all attention was where it was supposed to be, and not distracted by open bar. See this overwhelming success for yourself:

You do not need visa to go to the Embassy and yet, as soon as you step on the grounds, you are considered to be on that country’s territory. Nobody took advantage asking for political asylum on Friday night in French Embassy. In fact, people came to share their wealth and blessings with others – kids with disabilities. Tenth Annual Dinner&Auction by KEEN happened that night on Reservoir road.

KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now) provide programs helping kids with disabilities to experience joy of fun, friendship and fitness for 18 years. KEEN’s programs are open to any child, regardless of the nature or severity of his/her disability and offered to their families or caregivers at no cost.

There was dinner, silent auction, live auction, raffle tickets… All proceeds will benefit and support 19 of KEEN’s programs in DC area and across the country.

In this bouncy economy, it is important to support young emerging talents, and this is what Project Fundway does. It assists young men and women, who demonstrated outstanding academical achievements, to FUND their way towards brighter future as fashion designers.

Four finalists had to be scored by very distinguished judge panel, in order to compete for scholarships. Guest judges were:

First you might think – what time and location could be worse for an event – weekday, November, night, by the water, under rain, not_on_the_map lumber shed… But when it comes to “Labels for love” by Mary Schmidt Amons, you realize that nothing can stop really passionate people. Modus Union parisian salon party – an exclusive evening of fashion, art and philanthropy – successfully delivered yesterday. The event benefited Cancer Schmancer Foundation, which is dedicated to saving women’s lives through early detection and prevention of cancer.

Once you please your insides with hot yummies provided by numerous sponsors, it does not feel like November chill anymore and you can enjoy the art of all forms – paintings, furniture, clothes, jewelry, all spiced with live music and circus performances.